Alumni News, Fall 2023
Alumni News
Sustaining relationships with our past students and their families holds great significance for all of us at Parkside. Observing the personal and professional development of our alumni and celebrating their achievements serves as a constant wellspring of inspiration, motivating us to continue our endeavors for the betterment of our present students. To submit your alumni news for our next issue, click here!
2000s
Luis Calvo ’00
Luis Calvo ’00 works as a middle school counselor at San Miguel School in Washington, DC. He writes, “As a school counselor, my mission is to help students learn about themselves and develop in three areas: social/emotional, education, and career. I believe that every student has a gift and my goal is to help students identify those gifts while pursuing them to become successful students and citizens. I intend to continue working with middle school students in low-income communities. I want to give back, I truly believe that the minority group is in deep need for help. As an effective counselor, I enjoy working with students that share different qualities. I had great opportunities working with children as an educator. I have learned that everyday is a different experience for them and for me as well. Knowing that my job is to help students achieve their full potential along with helping them feel happier and better about themselves motivates me to continue my career path in helping students with their future.” After attending Parkside, Luis attended Lowell, SUNY Cobleskills, and St. John’s University, where he received a Bachelors in Education. He also received his Masters Degree in School Counseling from Hunter College where he graduated summa cum laude.
Tommy Roche ’03 writes to say that he is continuing to work as a poll worker during elections. In fact, he encourages his fellow Parkside alumni to consider becoming poll workers. He says, “the reason being is that in my opinion, poll workers are trained to deal with people regardless of whatever learning issues they may have regarding social anxiety. Communication is an important tool in regards to becoming the leader of our world.”
Juliana Torres ’03 recently finished her Veterinary Technician externship where she learned how to do things like draw blood. She is currently volunteering at the West Side Veterinary Center, and says she misses Parkside so much!
Isabel Singer ’07 is currently working on her Masters of Fine Arts in Illustration at FIT. She will graduate in May 2024, and hopes to eventually make comics for both adults and children. Before attending FIT, Isabel attended Sarah Lawrence and Summit.
2010s
Jake Cohen ’14
Samuel Forster ’12 received his BS in Computer Science from Adelphi University. His family is extremely proud.
Jake Cohen ’14 is thriving, his mother writes to say! Ove the summer, he was in Orlando, FL working an internship for the Orlando city soccer team, after receiving a scholarship to help pay for his travel, room and board. He is currently in London as part of Syracuse University’s study abroad program, and is having the time of his life.
2020s
Ivory Figueroa ’20 graduated from Lowell, as the salutatorian, and now attends the Art & Design High School. Her family couldn’t be more proud as Ivory keeps evolving and growing into herself at her own pace. Her mom, Unique, says “I am thankful to Parkside for allowing her to develop at her own pace and never rushing her.”
Iris Reyl ’22 is attending York Prep where she is especially enjoying the drama department and the middle school scholar’s poetry elective. She has also joined a competitive swimming club, and was asked to join the Varsity Swim Team at school.